i started with a small toyota ,but been using a full size for about a year now ,....both have advantages

the toyota fit in alleys better ,lower to the ground for less lifting ,took less space when pulling off the road and had better visability for spotting stuff .........disadvantages,...less volume ,less interior room for stashing tools and less wieght capacity

run a dodge full size 2wd gasser now ,.....surprising enough it gets around 15-18 mpg ,compared to 20-25 mpg of the toyota ,....my gas costs per load didn't go up that much ,.....it has a bigger bed and more capacity all together ,if i strap stuff on the roof and toss stuff inside it'll hold almost twice the stuff ,....as for weight ,the toyota was maxed at around 1,500 lbs ,tires were ready to blow and axel was sitting on frame ,...so far the heaviest i've had the dodge was 2,000 lb load ,....it didn't notice it much ,.....disadvantages ,...the extra foot i gotta lift stuff ,makes a big difference ,it's harder to spot stuff ,turn around and sqeeze it into small alleys ,......it sucks in the snow too



as for side boards ,i don't use them ,....i like being able to access and roll stuff in from the sides ,....i can pack a quicker and more dense load without them ,and it's easier to unload a partial load at the yard so i can refill it ....instead i have like a thousand bungies and ratchet straps i use if needed......i also like looking more stealthy ,side boards ,unless built nicely, stand out ,make the truck look getto when i'm not hauling and effect gas milage ,......i won't use the